EN 12477:2001/A1:2005

Overview

EN 12477:2001/A1:2005 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the requirements for protective gloves for welders. These gloves are designed to provide essential protection during welding activities, focusing on the safety, durability, and electrical properties needed for arc welding environments. This amendment updates the original EN 12477:2001 by introducing clarifications and additional requirements, particularly addressing the gloves' electrical resistance. Compliance with this standard helps ensure that welders’ gloves meet stringent safety criteria essential for hand and arm protection in industrial welding operations.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  EN 12477:2001/A1:2005 covers protective gloves intended for use by welders. The amendment highlights that these gloves provide minimum electrical resistance up to 100V (AC or DC) during arc welding, enhancing safety against electrical hazards.

• Electrical Resistance Requirements
  The gloves are tested for electrical vertical resistance, where gloves of Types A and B must exhibit resistance greater than 10 ohms. This testing simulates real working conditions by conditioning material at controlled temperature and humidity before measuring electrical resistance in accordance with EN 1149-2 test methods.

• Design Criteria
  Welding gloves must be constructed without conductive connections between the inside and outside surfaces (for example, no metal rivets that could conduct electricity) to reduce risk during welding operations. Visual inspections ensure conformity to this design requirement.

• Manufacturer Information and Warnings
  The standard mandates that manufacturers provide clear warnings indicating that these gloves:

  • Do not protect against electrical shock in case of defective or incorrect use of welding equipment.
  • Are not suitable for protection against electrical hazards that require gloves designed according to EN 60903 (insulating gloves for live electrical work).
  • Have reduced electrical resistance if wet, dirty, or soaked with sweat, increasing risk during use.

Applications

• Industrial Welding Safety
  These gloves are critical personal protective equipment (PPE) in industrial welding environments including arc welding, brazing, and soldering. They safeguard welders from burns, heat, spatter, and limited electrical hazards.

• Maintenance and Repair Operations
  Appropriate for technicians and maintenance workers who engage in welding tasks, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and reducing injury risks from heat and electrical conduction.

• Quality Control and Compliance
  Employers and safety managers use EN 12477:2001/A1:2005 as a benchmark for selecting gloves that conform to EU safety regulations, thereby promoting occupational health standards and minimizing liability.

Related Standards

• EN 420:2003 - General requirements for protective gloves, defining ergonomics, innocuousness, and marking of gloves. EN 12477 references EN 420 as normative for glove construction.

• EN 1149-2:1997 - Specifies the test method for measuring electrical resistance through protective clothing materials. This standard supports the electrical resistance test requirements outlined in EN 12477 for welding gloves.

• EN 60903 - Covers insulating gloves for live electrical work and provides protection against electrical shock. EN 12477 explicitly distinguishes welding gloves from this category to prevent misuse.

By adhering to EN 12477:2001/A1:2005, manufacturers and users of welding gloves can ensure compliance with rigorous safety standards that address both mechanical and electrical hazards in welding contexts. This helps prevent injuries, improves workplace safety, and fosters confidence in protective glove performance tailored specifically for welders.